THE NATURE OF STIMULATION 19 



simply a method of expression of our thoughts , and indeed the 

 most satisfactory form we have. We must, therefore, use those 

 symbols which are most closely adapted to facts as the most 

 precise expression of these existing laws. What forms of 

 expression have we? 



It might appear that a discussion of this fundamental question 

 has not a close connection with our special subject of physiology 

 of stimulation. This, however, is not the case. Indeed, it is an 

 irremissibly previous requirement not only for the elucidation, 

 but also for the understanding itself in this particular field. We 

 could not come to a clear understanding in this field without 

 such analysis. The interpretation of the unity of being and hap- 

 penings in accordance with natural laws, which today is widely 

 accepted in the scientific world as the only exact one, implies the 

 assumption of a "causation" according to which things are ex- 

 plained by the law of "cause" and "effect." V have already on 

 various occasions taken the opportunity to criticise this view and 

 to show the error and confusion to which it leads. I should like 

 here to enter somewhat more in detail into the reason for this 

 criticism. It is particularly directed against the scientific use of 

 the term "cause" on the basis of our best-known theoretical prin- 

 ciples. It is clear that all scientific observations and explanations 

 are founded on experience. Can it be said that the conception 

 of "cause" originates from experience? 



We can say with absolute certainty that the conception of 

 cause dates from prehistoric times. Its beginning reaches back 

 to the stone age, at least to neolithic, possibly to palaeolithic cul- 

 ture. This is demonstrated by the careful reconstruction of these 

 prehistoric races based on a critical comparison of the remains 

 of their culture with that of primitive races living today. The 

 ideas of these primitive races show an inclination to an extraor- 



1 Compare with this Max Verworn: "Die Entwickelung des menschlichen Geistes." 

 Jena, Gustav Fischer, 1910. 



Max Verworn: "Die Erforschung des Lebens." II Auflage. Jena, Gustav Fischer, 

 1911. 



The same : "Die Fragen nach den Grenzen der Erkenntniss." Jena, Gustav Fischer, 

 1908. 



The same: "Allgemeine Physiologie." V Auflage. Gustav Fischer, 1909. 



